The Providence Public Library underwent a $29 million renovation!
After eighteen months of construction this project was completed in September 2020. It is the largest public library renovation in the history of Rhode Island, according to Construction Review Online. McKEON’s New England distributor, Specified Building Products, worked alongside designLAB architects, and Bond Brothers on this notable achievement.
An 84,000 square foot wing built in 1953 was renovated, as well as the auditorium and special collections area. These changes made it possible for library visitors to access modern and updated services.
The major focus was on the Empire Street Entrance, which was converted into a three-story high vertical opening connected with an exit access stairway. Utilizing McKEON’s vertical acting fire door systems helped to create an open floor plan without sacrificing natural light.
The Auto-Set® Model FSFD and the Safescape® T5001 were installed with a shared tube application. This enhanced the flow of the building, making it easier to navigate the library and access all its resources!